Elite Traveler March-April 2017

elite traveler MAR/APR 2017 127

TAKE THREE/// OPULENT HOTELS

1. PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI This is the height of designer luxury, with each and every piece of furniture and fabric created by the House of Versace. In a 16th-century-style palace, the hotel is situated within the Culture Village, overlooking Dubai Creek, 10 minutes from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Inside, you’ll find opulence beyond compare – from elegant white pillars topped with golden scrolls, to Baroque and Rococo embellishments in the rooms and suites. Think Louis XV meets Arabian Nights with a dash of Dangerous Liaisons . palazzoversace.ae 2. ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE, DUBAI With more than half a mile of golden sand and a generous sense of space inside and out, this hotel predates Palm Jumeirah, which now helps form its bay. There are Moorish influences in the architecture, and lush landscaping creates clever privacy. Fountains bubble, and the building is reflected in the many pools. Choose from three distinct environments: The Palace, Arabian Court and the Residence & Spa. It is just 10 minutes from the Emirates Golf Course. oneandonlyresorts.com/dubai

3. FOUR SEASONS RESORT DUBAI The location – on a tranquil beach – is one of the best in town, but this is also the closest resort to the airport, the older parts of the city and the best shopping malls: Jumeirah 2 is known by some as the Beverly Hills of Dubai. The hotel atmosphere blends Arabic hints with contemporary style to create a luxurious sanctuary. Light illuminates rooms and shared spaces. The planting is exquisite. There is a sparkling gold-and-white mosaic, an adults-only pool with private cabanas and day villas. fourseasons.com/dubaijb

TOP RESTAURANTS

Terrace at Coya, in the Four Seasons Resort

Both the heat and cool of Peru are stirred up in the award-winning Coya at the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeriah Beach. The menu keeps traditional flavors alive, and the chefs perform their food miracles for all to see amid a rainbow of Inca colors and Latin American artwork. Authentic vibes and the Pisco Lounge complete the deliciously chilled mood. coyarestaurant.com/ dubai

It’s all about the sharing, izakaya -style, at Zuma , in the Dubai International Financial Centre district, near Burj Khalifa. Japanese delicacies arrive one after the other to add to the informality of this contemporary gem. Try the wagyu beef sushi with Sevruga caviar or the thinly sliced seabass with yuzu, truffle oil and salmon roe. Private dining is available. zumarestaurant.com

British-Mediterranean food is on offer at Marina Social , Jason Atherton’s ”pocket of London in the heart of Dubai,” at the InterContinental Dubai Marina. Duck-leg agnolotti rubs menu shoulders with pumpkin gnocchi, crispy sage and Parmesan, while the lucky few at the Social Table share a tasting menu. Five carts serve champagne, digestifs, cigars, teas and sweets. marinasocialdubai.com

Photo Paul Thuysbaert / Four Seasons